Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Archie and Lilibet met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the monarch's Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire on Friday. The private family meeting occurred amidst a Chanel-sponsored luncheon for students completing an embroidery course, which provided cover for the Sussexes' arrival.
A source told The Mail on Sunday that the procession of cars for the Chanel event allowed the Sussexes' vehicle to blend in, enabling their entry to the estate unnoticed. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was the first in-person encounter for Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet with the 77-year-old King since 2022. King Charles is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Earlier on Friday, Prince Harry attended an engagement for the Invictus Games in Warwickshire. Observers noted his cheerful demeanor, with one stating Harry had a "massive smile plastered all over his face." This visit followed a week that included negative headlines for the Duke of Sussex, such as a dispute over his security arrangements and the loss of his High Court privacy case against Associated Newspapers.
The Duke of Sussex also appeared at Scotty's Little Soldiers Summer Festival in Warwickshire on Saturday. As the global ambassador for the charity, which supports bereaved children from military families, he engaged in activities such as goat yoga. During the festival, Harry expressed his enjoyment, stating, "I love being here, this is the highlight of my month."
The family reunion at Highgrove had been subject to speculation, with uncertainty surrounding whether Meghan and the children would accompany Harry to the UK. The family had reportedly been vacationing in Portugal. Harry's initial offer to stay at Buckingham Palace was rescinded due to short notice. He arrived in Britain on Monday, the day after losing his privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting had occurred but declined to provide specific details of the "private family occasion." Palace officials had previously described the media attention surrounding the Sussexes' trip as "wearying."
The Chanel event was part of a fellowship co-funded by The King's Foundation and the fashion house, which trains students in haute couture embroidery. These students often reside in converted outbuildings at Highgrove for their studies. King Charles has referred to Highgrove as his "place of healing."